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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Colonoscopy Necessary If Tested Positive For IBS?

I m wondering if it s necessary to have a colonoscopy, since i m almost positive i have IBS, not IBD. I m 65 now, & had functional colitis when i was 28-30. It was due to emotional factors. They found nothing wrong internally. I have had 2 unremarkable colonoscopies already - meaning nothing wrong. 1st one at 48 yrs., 2nd at 58 yrs., usually done every 10 yrs. i wanted to wait the 10 yrs., but my dr. thinks i should go since i m having symptoms. What do u think? Thank u!
Thu, 5 Oct 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
This is interesting to know that you are 65 and have been doing 10 yearly colonoscopy as you have mentioned. Since you are a known patient of IBS that is irritable bowel syndrome, it is not necessary to do the colonoscopy earlier than 10 years which will come after a few years.
Since your age is 65 and if there are symptoms and if your Doctor is suspecting something, it is best to go for colonoscopy and also for CT scan of abdomen, tests of blood and stool to rule out any eminent diagnosis that should not be missed like cancer or so.
Well, since you know the IBS is related to the stress and anxiety that is functional problems, watch if such factors are present now also or not. And if present get treated accordingly.
IF any specific cause is found get treated and if all the investigations are normal get treated as IBS and control the stress and anxiety.
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Is A Colonoscopy Necessary If Tested Positive For IBS?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood your concerns. This is interesting to know that you are 65 and have been doing 10 yearly colonoscopy as you have mentioned. Since you are a known patient of IBS that is irritable bowel syndrome, it is not necessary to do the colonoscopy earlier than 10 years which will come after a few years. Since your age is 65 and if there are symptoms and if your Doctor is suspecting something, it is best to go for colonoscopy and also for CT scan of abdomen, tests of blood and stool to rule out any eminent diagnosis that should not be missed like cancer or so. Well, since you know the IBS is related to the stress and anxiety that is functional problems, watch if such factors are present now also or not. And if present get treated accordingly. IF any specific cause is found get treated and if all the investigations are normal get treated as IBS and control the stress and anxiety.